The International Cricket Committeee (ICC) has banned players from using their saliva to shine the ball during a cricket game.
Shining the cricket ball is a technique used to help the bowler. By shining one side the ball it is able to swing in the air, making it hard for the batsman.
If a player does apply saliva to the ball, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment. However, any further instances will result in the team receiving a warning.
Two warnings will result in a five-run penalty to the batting side.
A number of players have put forward the idea of using wax as an alternative to saliva to shine the ball.
Teams could be given a “quota” of wax per innings, the former India captain recommended.
